Pension: Applying for basic security - What retirees have to consider

Those who cannot manage with their pension can receive basic security under certain conditions.

What requirements apply, what else is important.

Berlin - In order to secure the financial subsistence level for pensioners *, basic security was introduced in 2005.

It can be applied for in old age as well as with full disability.

But many people shy away from the effort that such an application entails.

Dr.

Johannes Geyer from the German Institute for Economic Development (DIW) explained the

: "About 60 percent of people of retirement age who are entitled do not take advantage of it." Thus, 870,000 pensioners are currently foregoing basic security, although they would actually receive it.

Pension: From this total income, the basic security takes effect

But how does it all work now?

According to the German Pension Insurance (DRV), needy people can receive basic security if they have “either reached the standard retirement age *” or if they are “permanently fully disabled and at least 18 years old”.

In addition, the applicant must live in Germany.

The DRV also gives a simple rule of thumb to check whether you could be entitled to social benefits: "If your total income is less than 865 euros, you should have them checked whether you are entitled to basic security."

How much basic security you get in the end depends on the income and assets of the pensioner.

Income includes earned income, maintenance payments from parents or children, parental benefit over 300 euros, rental and lease income, child benefit, sickness benefit and interest.

In addition, pensions of all kinds, including the Riester pension *.

Here, however, an amount of 100 euros remains free.

Pension: This applies to the basic security as assets

Cash, securities, savings, house and real estate as well as cars are counted as assets for the basic security.

Small amounts of cash (up to 5,000 euros), family or heirlooms with an ideal value, appropriate household items and an appropriate building plot or apartment that are used themselves do not count as assets.

The basic security can be applied for at the responsible social welfare office.

You must bring your ID, the pension notification, proof of income and assets and proof of social security.

However, the application can also be submitted to the DRV, which will then forward it to the appropriate office.

If the application * was successful and the payment of the basic security has been approved, this is valid for one year.

After twelve months, a new application must be made if you want to continue to receive basic security.